Goldwater Scholar Graduates as Nationally Recognized Leader

Inspired by her interests in biology during the COVID-19 pandemic and encouraged by teachers who sparked her love for science, she found the perfect fit in biochemistry—a field that combined her passion for chemistry and biology while opening doors to a future in biomedical research.

Nationally Recognized Researcher, Campus Leader, Future Scientist

Now, as a 2026 graduate of the School of Science and Engineering, Trista leaves Duquesne as a nationally recognized researcher, campus leader and future scientist preparing to pursue a Ph.D. in biomedical sciences at The Ohio State University.

Along the way, she earned one of the nation’s most prestigious undergraduate research honors: the Barry Goldwater Scholarship and Excellence in Education Foundation Scholarship.

“The Goldwater Scholarship is a testament to my perseverance and passion for scientific research,” Trista said. “It validated my hard work and made me more confident in my abilities as a scientific researcher.”

That confidence was built through years of hands-on research, mentorship and collaboration inside the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry.

Working in Dr. David Heisler's lab, Trista explored the microbiological side of biochemistry research, studying compounds that could potentially be used as antibiotics against foodborne pathogens. Her project brought together multiple disciplines and research groups, including collaboration with the Montgomery Lab, where novel azole compounds were synthesized for testing.

For Trista, the experience transformed the way she thinks about science.

“The lab truly felt like a community. We were always discussing research, troubleshooting problems together and learning from one another.”

The collaborative nature of the work taught her the value of interdisciplinary science and helped her develop the resilience needed for research.

“Research taught me patience,” she said. “There were many roadblocks and moments of troubleshooting, but those experiences helped me grow as a scientist.”

That spirit of collaboration extended far beyond the lab.

As a student ambassador, peer mentor and public relations officer for the American Chemical Society student organization, Trista worked to create a welcoming and inclusive environment for students pursuing STEM fields at Duquesne.

Whether mentoring first-year students, organizing events or helping promote opportunities within the School of Science and Engineering, she focused on building community and helping others feel supported.

“I wanted students to feel welcomed and encouraged,” she said. “Watching younger students grow into confident researchers and leaders has been incredibly rewarding.”

Her involvement with ACS also gave her opportunities to present research and network with scientists at the national level. Through the organization, Trista attended and presented research at national ACS conferences—experiences that strengthened both her scientific communication skills and her confidence as a researcher.

“Being able to present my research and connect with scientists from different backgrounds helped me become more confident in myself and my work,” she said.

Trista credits Duquesne’s supportive environment and research opportunities with helping prepare her for graduate school and a future career in biomedical science.

Through the STEM Scholars program and years of undergraduate research support, she gained experience designing experiments, troubleshooting challenges, collaborating with other researchers and contributing to scientific publications.

“My research experiences gave me a glimpse of what a Ph.D. program will entail. They prepared me to continue conducting research at the graduate level.”

Alongside academics and research, Trista learned how to balance leadership roles, coursework and personal well-being—skills she says will continue to shape her future success.

“I learned the importance of staying organized and making time for myself,” she said. “Most importantly, I learned how to say no when necessary and how to manage challenges without becoming overwhelmed.”

Looking back, the relationships she built at Duquesne stand out to Trista the most.

“I am most proud of the community I built around me,” she said. “The friendships, mentorships and collaborative experiences I had here helped me grow not only as a researcher, but as a person.”

As she prepares to begin her doctoral studies, Trista hopes to continue mentoring future students while pursuing infectious disease research that can improve lives.

“I hope that through my curiosity and passion for infectious disease research, I can help develop therapies that make a real impact,” she said.